Protesters conditionally reopen Paktika-Ghazni road

SHARANA (Pajhwok): Protesters in southeastern Paktika province reopened the Paktika-Ghazni highway conditionally on Sunday, ending a week-long blockade.

Hundreds of enraged people blocked the Paktika-Ghazni highway and closed the provincial council (PC) office for few days to protest increasing insecurity on the road.

The protestors claimed civilians and government officials were daily killed or kidnapped by Taliban insurgents on the highway.

On Sunday, top provincial austerities visited the protesters hailing from Paktika, Paktia and Ghazni provinces and promised to meet their demands.

Ghazni Governor Abdul Karim Mateen told the protesters the security situation on the Ghazni-Paktika highway would be ensured in the upcoming one week.

He directed security officials to conduct clearing operations on the highway in Giro and Andar districts to ensure security.

Meanwhile, Paktia governor Shamim Khan Katawazai confirmed the killing of Paktika’s residents on the highway and claimed security forces and Taliban were both involved in harassing and looting passengers.

He promised every effort would be mad keep security on the Ghazni-Paktika highway.

However, 203th Thunder Military Corps commander Maj. Gen, Shaor Gul said they would soon send more forces to the Ghazni-Paktika highway’ check-post. He promised to remove corrupt highway officials.

Yaqoob Khan Manzor, one of the protestors, said they called off their protest after seven days and reopened the provincial council (PC)’s door after the authorities’ promises.

pk/ma